Staff Picks

Just Checked In

This list is regularly updated and shows some of the latest items that have been checked in at the library.
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Coming Soon for Children

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
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Coming Soon for Teens

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
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Coming Soon for Adults

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
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Coming Soon

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
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Most Popular

This list is regularly updated and shows 500 of the most popular items being checked out at the library.
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for May 2024

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in May 2024, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!    
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for April 2024

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in April 2024, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!    
Staff Picks

The Southern Book Prize 2024

Each February, the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance awards the Southern Book Prize to the best Southern books of the year.  Titles are nominated by indie booksellers and voted on by their customers.  This year's winners are:Fiction - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Staff Picks

2024 New Year, New Me: Middle Grade and Teen Books

Recommended by Richland Library staff, this list is what happens when we decide to kick-off the new year with a challenge--reading outside of our comfort zones.  From nonfiction to manga, romance to historical fiction, we stretched ourselves and our reading habits to explore new genres and authors.  
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Galentines Day Reads

Happy Galentine’s Day! Show your girlfriends you really care by sharing a good book with them. From thrilling mysteries to heart-warming comings of age tales, this list is all about the power of female friendships.
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2023 National Book Critics Circle Award Winners

This year's winners include:Fiction: I Am Homeless if This Is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore Nonfiction: We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian Biography: Winnie and Nelson by Jonny Steinberg How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2024 - Books with If in the title

Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2024 Reading Challenge prompt, "Read a book with If or When in the title".This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2024 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for February 2024

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in February 2024, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2024 - Books with When in the title

Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2024 Reading Challenge prompt, "Read a book with If or When in the title".This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2024 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

BroaderBookshelf 2024: War in Fiction

Fulfill the "read a book about war" prompt with these titles.This list is part of the BroaderBookshelf 2024 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
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#BroaderBookshelf 2024 - Books set on a college or university campus

Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2024 Reading Challenge prompt, "Read a book that takes place on a college or university campus".This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2024 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for January 2024

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in January 2024, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

Quick Reads

Love to read but short on time? Trying to complete a yearly reading goal like the #BroaderBookshelf Reading Challenge? In a reading slump? Check out one of these quick reads to get you back on track and feel accomplished! Need more inspiration? Try our Personalized Reading Recommendations. 
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for December 2023

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in December 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

Walter Mosley's World

Walter Mosley is one of the most versatile and admired writers in America. He is the author of more than sixty critically acclaimed books that cover a wide range of ideas, genres, and forms including fiction (literary, mystery, and science fiction), political monographs, writing guides including Elements of Fiction, a memoir in paintings, and a young adult novel called 47. His work has been translated into twenty-five languages. (Author's Website) 
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for November 2023

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in November 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

Most Challenged Books Since 2020

According to a recently released report from the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, there has been a 20% increase in the number of unique titles challenged since this time last year.  Most of the books challenged in that period were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or people of color. 
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for September 2023

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in September 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for August 2023

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in August 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

If You Liked...Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry was a GMA book club pick and a TV series is coming out later this year. Check out theses similar titles while you wait for your hold...
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Disability Pride for Middle Grade Readers

According to the American Bar Association, July is Disability Pride Month "a time for the disability community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard." These books for middle graders center disabled people's voices and celebrate their experiences. 
Staff Picks

The Selden K. Smith Holocaust Collection, Part 1

Richland Library welcomes items from the personal Holocaust collection of Dr. Selden K. Smith. Housed primarily at Richland Library Main the collection includes over 250 items.
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for July 2023

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in July 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

The Past That Lingers

Gripping, unforgettable stories that will leave a tight vise around your heart.
Staff Picks

Tween Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The United Nations observes January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day as it's the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Six million Jews died through systemic persecution under the Nazi regime 1933-1945. Now more than ever, it's crucial to talk to kids about important events in history. Check out these books for kids aged 9+ for age appropriate fiction and nonfiction books about the Holocaust.   Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website for more information: https://www.ushmm.org/ 
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Teens

"Oskar Groening, the man accused of aiding and abetting in the murder of more than three hundred thousand Jews in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, was about to enter the German courtroom."--To Look a Nazi in the Eye:  A Teen's Account of a War Criminal Trial by Kathy Kacer with Jordana Lebowitz
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Young Readers

“There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick.  Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love.”― Stars of the Night:  The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport by Caren Stelson | illustrated by Selina Alko
Staff Picks

Young Adult Women's Wrongs

I support women's rights, and I also support women's wrongs. Anti-heroines are just plain fun! Check out these books for women you love to hate. 
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Historical Fiction with Character Name

Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with the character's name in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

First Person Narratives

It is said that the best way to learn about a person is through their own perspective. That’s what makes first-person narration so interesting—it allows you to sit in a character’s head as they experience the world. Here are just a few titles that allow you to experience the world from this first hand perspective. 
Staff Picks

11 YA Books for Adults

Of course anyone can read YA! Here's a few books to get you started if you've never read anything in the YA genre as an adult. From dystopian fiction (Scythe and The Grace Year) to romance (Instructions for Dancing) to fantasy (This Woven Kingdom and Strange the Dreamer), there's a little something for every reader.  
Staff Picks

Fictional Period Pieces

If you love historical fiction (or a blend of history with fantasy, mystery and romance) then check out 2022's best period pieces.  Use one of these titles to complete a prompt for the 2022 #BroaderBookshelf Challenge while you're at it.  Happy Reading!
Staff Picks

Dark Academia, Magic, and Secret Societies

Looking for some atmospheric and dark reads to set you in the mood for fall? These books about dark academia, magic, and secret societies will have you reading late into the night. So pull out your favorite tweed jacket and cozy up in your reading chair with one of these unputdownable atmospheric reads.
Staff Picks

2022 National Book Award Longlists

The 2022 National Book Award longlists have just been announced.  The finalists will be named on 4 October.  In the meantime, check out these contenders in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young people's literature, and translated literature.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels set in NY

Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book set in California or New York".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels set in CA

Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book set in California or New York".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

Tale as Old as Time

Folk and fairy tales are passed down generation after generation to preserve community values and act as cautionary tales.  The authors below have adapted elements from these traditional tales into fresh stories of romance, fantasy, and adventure for teens. Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-929-3470.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: Read a Historical Fiction Novel

Participating in our 2022 #BroaderBookshelf Challenge?  Check out this list to find a book to complete the Read a Historical Fiction Novel prompt.  And if you don't find what you are looking for here try these lists too: 
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: WWII Historical Fiction

One of the 2022 #BroaderBookshelf Challenge prompts is to read a Historical Fiction novel.  If the World War II era is one that makes you nostalgic then you might want to try one of these choices as the book to fulfill this prompt.  You will find mystery, literary fiction and spy thrillers among the choices. Happy Reading!
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: Historical Mysteries

One of the prompts for our 2022 #BroaderBookshelf Challenge is to read a historical fiction novel.  If you love yourself some suspense then combine your history and mystery with these titles.
Staff Picks

Murder and Mayhem Fiction

Check out these fiction titles from this year to get your Murder and Mayhem fix.  Some of these may even help you meet a prompt on the 2022 #BroaderBookshelf challenge.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

The South Carolina Picture Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
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South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

The South Carolina Children's Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
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Read with Pride

Celebrate your PRIDE with these fresh and fun LBGT+ titles for teens and adults. Don't forget to check out these movies coming to theaters next month: "No Ordinary Man"(July 16) tells the story of transgender jazz musician Billy Tipton from directors Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joynt and "Nope"(July 22), Jordan Peele's latest horror starring LGBT+ actors Keke Palmer and Barbie Ferrerira.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

The South Carolina Young Adult Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for high schoolers, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: Fiction Set in CA or NY

The #BroaderBookshelf challenge helps expand your reading habits to discover authors, genres and books you might not otherwise pick up. Read one of these fiction titles to fulfill the "Read a fiction or non-fiction book set in California or New York" prompt. Click on the title to see all available formats.
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Great Books for Ages 9, 10, 11 | 2022

"This is Stuntboy. This guy, right here. Him. You can't tell just looking at him, but he's the greatest superhero you've never heard of."  --Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2022

"Tola is the youngest in her family. And the smallest. And everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small."  --Too Small Tola by Atinuke
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Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022

"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night."  --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
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Great Books for Ages 16, 17, 18

The transition of the late teen years can be both joyful and confusing. Reading about someone like yourself or escaping into someone else’s shoes are both great ways to learn about the world around you. Check out some of our favorite reads for older teens in the list below.  Happy exploring!
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 13, 14, 15

Looking for some great fiction for younger teens and don’t know where to start? Check out the list below for an overview of some of our favorites. With mysteries, romances, fantasies, nonfiction, and more there’s something for every reader! 
Staff Picks

World War II in Teen Fiction

One of the most common requests the Teen Center receives is World War II fiction. Spanning seven years from 1939 to 1945, World War II involved more than thirty countries and is considered one of the deadliest wars in history. It is no surprise that there are many inspiring and heartbreaking stories of bravery and resilience from all over the world. The authors featured below have used the power of historical fiction to capture these stories. Check them out! 
Staff Picks

Novels by Asian and Asian-American Authors

Taking place everywhere from far and wide, to worlds built in fantasy, these titles written by authors of Asian descent are the perfect way to delve into a sliver of a different culture, background or experience. Don't forget to participate in the #BroaderBookshelf challenge or get more ideas about what to read by filling out a Personalized Recommendation form. 
Staff Picks

Help! My Adult Child Talks Like a Communist!

In Leo McCarey's Red Scare cult classic, My Son John, John (Robert Walker) comes home from college with a raft of radical ideas. His devout Catholic mother Lucille (Helen Hayes) and American Legion member father Dan (Dean Jagger) become increasingly uneasy, unable to relate to John's leftist views. In one of the best, and most certainly melodramatic depictions of the possible gulf between generations caused by political differences, Lucille begins informing on John to the FBI agent played by Van Heflin. 
Staff Picks

Teen Historical Fiction

Bridge the gap between past and present in these latest teen historical fiction novels. From disappearances in 1400s Korea (The Forest of Stolen Girls) to a diverse reimagining of Little Women in 1863 (So Many Beginnings) to dreams of an aspiring 1950s Broadway actress (Mazie), no matter what year you're in, you'll find something to keep you turning pages.
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

A Year of Black History Continues   Folktales, comics and history ... here we are!  Also, Hoopla is allowing 15 checkouts for the month of February, as well as bonus borrows.  Hoopla offers many comic book/graphic novels to choose from!  Please, enter your email address and password associated with Hoopla.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: African Authors

Fulfill the prompt, "Read a book by an author from an African nation" with one of these engaging books. Find out more information about the #BroaderBookshelf challenge here. Need more suggestions? Fill out a Personalized Reading Recommendation form. It's a quick and easy way to find your next favorite read. 
Staff Picks

35 Best Book Club Picks of 2021

Book clubs are a great way to spark conversations and connect with people. After reading a really good book, I am always curious to know what other people thought of it. It is interesting to see how each person interprets a book differently and the animated discussions which follow based on how you relate to the book. 
Staff Picks

Merry and Bright: Festive Holiday Reads

It's the most wonderful time of the year! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a festive read. From mysteries to romances, these books are wrapped up with loads of holiday cheer.
Staff Picks

Book-to-TV In Development: Part IV

As of November 2021, these are the current highly anticipated titles that are being transformed for TV.
Staff Picks

Speedy Reads

Are you rushing to complete your reading challenge for the year? Short on time? Check out one of these speedy reads that are under 250 pages and get back to crushing your reading goals. 
Staff Picks

100+ Debut Authors for 2021 📚

Looking for someone new to read?  Give these 2021 debut authors a try - you will find a fine selection of fiction and nonfiction, as well as some of the buzziest books of 2021.
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Sandhills Staff Picks

Curious to know what our staff read, watch, and listen to? Well you’re in luck, because we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you!  Bonus: You can use one of these titles to fulfil the #BroaderBookshelf 2021 prompt to "Read a book suggested by a Library staff member".  
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for November 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in November 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

If you can't make it to the Charleston Literary Festival . . .

This year's Charleston Literary Festival, running from 5-14 November, features a stellar lineup of speakers, with an admirable mix of fiction and nonfiction authors, ranging from icons such as Paul Auster and Walter Isaacson to recent stars such as Yaa Gyasi and Patricia Lockwood. But if you can't make it to the festival, don't worry - Richland Library features many titles by the participating authors.  Check out the list below; given the variety of the author list, you're sure to find something to intrigue you.
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Picks from Reese's Book Club 🌞

Check out these selections from Reese Witherspoon's popular book club. The April 2024 pick is The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo 
Staff Picks

Altered Bingo: YA edition Booklist

Looking for your next must read? From Classic Categories like Fairy Tale Retellings, myster​ies and books that make you cry, to fun ones like a book with an incredible fight scene, an unreliable narrator and even a space opera.  This list has them all. Have fun linking each title with a Book Bingo Category or filling your own chart with new ones. 
Staff Picks

Secret Ingredients ...

Americana literature is made better with stories told from Hispanic perspectives.  Here are some fresh stories for our growth.   Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.